The Guides and Scouts of Finland
Developing Inclusion in Guiding and Scouting
DEI Survey | Strategic DEI | Leadership Collaboration
Scouting and guiding is an educational movement to support the development of children, young people, and adults. Its goal is to provide a space where individuals can develop various skills, such as wilderness skills, learn responsibility, and grow into active, independent members of their local, national, and international communities.
To achieve these goals, The Guides and Scouts of Finland recognized the need to understand and address potential systemic gaps in inclusion and equity within their organization. They contacted deidei to bring in an external perspective and expertise, ensuring their efforts were both informed and impactful. The collaboration was kickstarted by helping them analyze their current state of inclusion and equity through a DEI survey. This was followed by updating their strategic roadmap and providing DEI onboarding for their leadership team.
"Equity is a core value we want to put into practice within our work. To deepen our understanding and ensure we develop a truly open and welcoming community, we brought in external expertise. Since this matter is connected to the whole organization and its structures, we sought a partner who could strategically lead us forward. deidei was chosen as the partner best suited to meet our needs."
Petra Valkonen
Specialist, Equity and Diversity
Survey: Measuring Equity and Inclusion on a National Level
Our partnership with The Scouts and Guides of Finland began with a comprehensive DEI survey to evaluate their state of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The survey was sent to the employees and volunteer trustees, gathering insights into their perspectives, experiences, and patterns that encourage or hinder inclusion. The findings highlighted at-risk demographic groups and key areas requiring attention, providing a data-based foundation for strategic improvements.
“Working with deidei’s team was smooth, straightforward, and highly professional. Our collaboration fostered a positive atmosphere, even when addressing challenging topics that sparked deep discussions. deidei guided us through meaningful conversations that deepened our knowledge and understanding while providing opportunities to uncover insights independently. They helped us focus on the most critical points, all with a warm and welcoming approach.” Valkonen continues.
Updating and Refining a Strategic Roadmap Based on the Results
Following the survey, we worked closely to update and refine the existing strategic roadmap for immigrant inclusion. This work was based on the findings and insights from the survey and was carried out using participatory methods.
“We want this to be an attractive and inclusive hobby for all, reflecting the diversity of Finnish society. deidei helped us work within the structures of our organization to further develop inclusion and equity throughout Guiding and Scouting. It is important to us that everyone has the opportunity to participate in Guiding and Scouting and can feel safe and welcome within scouting activities as they are.”
Henri Backman
Chair of the Guides and Scouts of Finland (2023-2024)
Building Leadership Commitment
One key component of integrating inclusion and equity at The Scouts and Guides of Finland was onboarding key leaders to the theme. The leadership onboarding was designed to equip both organizational and volunteer leaders with the knowledge and skills to drive and sustain DEI efforts, focusing on practical strategies to foster an inclusive culture and ensure inclusion is consistently upheld across the organization on the national level.
“deidei helped us gain clarity on our inclusion work and identify the key areas to prioritize. As a result of our collaboration, it has been easy to continue the development within our organization, with clearly defined focus areas”, Valkonen sums up.